Category: 3D Printing Materials
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Print Stronger, Pay Less: The PA6+CF Secret Markforged Doesn’t Want You to Know
Discover a high-strength, high-performance carbon fiber nylon filament that doesn’t lock you into a proprietary ecosystem. What is Obsidian PA6+CF? Obsidian PA6+CF is a carbon fiber-reinforced composite filament based on Nylon 6 (PA6), one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics. Reinforced with less than 20% high-modulus carbon fiber, it delivers exceptional stiffness, strength, and…
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Why ULTEM 1010 Is the New Standard for 3D Printed Satellite Components
Discover how advanced 3D printing is revolutionizing satellite battery packs and high-performance thermoplastics like ULTEM 1010 for space applications. From Prototype to Orbit: ULTEM 1010 in Production One of the standout applications in aerospace additive manufacturing today is a 3D printed part used in a battery pack housing for satellites. The final production part, manufactured…
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PSU Filament: The Hidden Champion of Industrial 3D Printing
Discover why PSU (Polysulfone) is redefining high-performance 3D printing in medical, aerospace, food, and industrial applications. What is PSU (Polysulfone)? PSU, or polysulfone, is an amorphous, high-performance thermoplastic engineered for extreme environments. Commercialized in the 1960s, it’s known for its heat resistance, dimensional stability, and exceptional clarity. Chemically built on aromatic rings, ether linkages, and…
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NASA-Grade 3D Printing: Solving the Micro-Part Challenge with PEEK
A deep dive into the power of high-temp 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing with PEEK. High-Temp Parts in Space? Yes, Literally. What started as a mysterious call from Advanced Fuel Research (AFR)—a NASA contractor—evolved into one of the most technically demanding and rewarding projects in Vision Miner’s early history. The mission? Produce ultra-small, high-temp components…
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ULTEM 9085 Filament: Aerospace-Grade Performance Made Easy
Discover why ULTEM 9085 (Thermax PEI 9085) is one of the most trusted high-performance filaments in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. What is ULTEM 9085? ULTEM 9085 is the trade name for a high-performance thermoplastic known as PEI (polyetherimide), originally developed by GE Plastics and now manufactured by SABIC. This specific grade is a blend…
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3D Prints Under a Microscope: revealing the true nature of your 3D prints
Microscopic analysis reveals the true nature of your 3D prints—here’s what we found. Why Use a Microscope in 3D Printing? Looking at 3D printed parts under a microscope opens up a whole new world. From layer adhesion issues to print artifacts and surface inconsistencies, microscopic inspection reveals the invisible flaws and hidden features that can…
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Unlocking the Strength of PEKK: A Superior Alternative to PEEK?
What is PEKK? PEKK (Polyether Ketone Ketone) is a member of the PAEK (Polyaryl Ether Ketone) family, known for its ultra-tough, high-temperature resistance and exceptional durability. Unlike PEEK, which has one ketone group per repeating unit, PEKK has two, affecting its crystallization and thermal behavior. Types of PEKK: Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline PEKK comes in different…
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Breaking Down 3D Printing Trends: Open Systems, High-Temp Materials, and More
Insights into 3D printing advancements, material choices, and the machines transforming the industry. The Open vs. Closed System Debate The choice between open and closed systems in 3D printing is one of the most hotly debated topics in the industry. Open systems provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to experiment with different materials, modify settings, and…
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Mastering 3D Printing with ULTEM 9085: A Live Demo
Introduction to ULTEM 9085 ULTEM 9085, a high-performance polyetherimide (PEI) polymer, is revolutionizing aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. Known for its flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) ratings and UL94 V-0 certification, this material ensures safety in critical applications like aircraft interiors and race car components. Why Use ULTEM 9085? With properties like self-extinguishing flames, low…
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How to Tune High-Temperature Filament for Superior 3D Prints
Introduction to High-Temp 3D Printing High-temperature filament 3D printing with engineering-grade materials, such as ULTEM™, PEI, and carbon fiber composites, is an advanced level of 3D printing. Unlike PLA or PETG, high-temp materials require meticulous tuning for successful prints. This guide explores the processes, techniques, and settings that help achieve strong, functional high-temperature parts. Challenges…
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Carbon Fiber Nylon Mars Rover Wheels: 3D Printed
In this blog, we’re diving deep into tuning 3D printed geometries, specifically focusing on a wheel designed for the Mars Rover SLH helicopter drone. This project, developed in collaboration with Caltech, involved extensive testing with different materials, including carbon fiber nylon, to ensure optimal performance in harsh environments. Understanding the Geometry The Mars Rover wheel’s…
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How to 3D Print ULTEM™ 1010 on the 22 IDEX v3: A Complete Guide
Discover the ins and outs of printing with ULTEM™ 1010, from material prep to optimizing support structures, and take your 3D printing game to the next level. Why ULTEM™ 1010 for Space-Grade Parts? ULTEM™ 1010 is a high-performance thermoplastic ideal for aerospace and industrial applications. Its primary advantage lies in its resistance to off-gassing, which…
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Unveiling New Innovations from SINTERIT
Material Variety from SINTERIT Explore the array of materials showcased by SINTERIT at Formnext 2023, ranging from the affordable and rigid PBT Optimal to the flexible and colorable Flexa Bright. SINTERIT offers an open material system, allowing users to experiment with different powders and customize parameters using C Studio Advance. Application-Specific Materials Discover materials tailored…
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A Sinterit SLS 3D Printer Made for You
Lisa – Affordable SLS for Education and Prototyping Sinterit introduces the Lisa, an entry-level SLS 3D printer designed for educational purposes and prototyping. With a smaller build volume and multiple materials, it provides an affordable option for those entering the world of SLS 3D printing. Lisa Pro – Enhanced Capabilities with Nitrogen Chamber Building on…
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Free Scan Trio – 3D Scanner Overview
Explore the features and capabilities of the Free Scan Trio, a groundbreaking 3D scanner from Shining 3D. Learn about marker-free laser scanning, speed, accuracy, and more. Available at Vision Miner.
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Rapidia’s Innovative Metal 3D Printing: A New Frontier
Explore Rapidia’s unique metal 3D printing technology that uses a paste instead of traditional filaments, enabling incredible precision and reduced binder usage. Learn about the two-step process and see impressive metal 3D printed parts in action.
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Demystifying Carbon Fiber 3D Printing: What You Need to Know
Understanding the world of carbon fiber 3D printing can be a bit tricky. With various materials, terminologies, and machine capabilities, it’s crucial to make informed choices. Learn what real carbon fiber printing means, the different materials involved, and why having an actively heated chamber is essential for professional-grade results. Dive into the world of high-temperature…
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Exploring High-Temperature 3D Printing with PEEK
Discover the fascinating world of high-temperature 3D printing with PEEK material. Watch as we experiment with this resilient material and learn about its unique features.
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Choosing the Right 3D Printing Material
Choosing the Right 3D Printing Material: Explore the diverse range of 3D printing materials, from nylon and carbon fiber-filled nylon to high-temperature nylon with additives, and PCTG. Find out which material suits your specific 3D printing needs. Visit Vision Miner for a variety of materials and resources.
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Unleash the Power of Sinterit SLS Nylon 11 Carbon Fiber Material
Discover the potential of Citrus Pier 11 Nylon 11 Carbon Fiber material, one of the strongest and most versatile options for SLS 3D printing. Explore its applications, technical details, and real-world examples.